A short glossary of sabong terminology

From SabongWiki, an independent informational resource · 2 min read

This introductory glossary explains a few recurring words in writing about sabong. Usage and spelling can vary across Philippine languages and communities.

Explore common terminology

In this article

Sabong

Sabong refers to cockfighting. The word appears in discussions of Philippine cultural history and in the National Museum’s treatment of cockfighting implements.

Manok and sabungan

Manok means chicken; context determines whether a writer means a rooster specifically. Sabungan refers to a place or arena associated with sabong.

Tari

Tari is a term associated with cockfighting implements. The National Museum discusses the word alongside sabong in its essay on objects connected with José Rizal. This glossary explains vocabulary without providing instructions for their use.

Chick, cockerel, and pullet

Chick means a young chicken. Cockerel and pullet distinguish young males and females. The linked life-stage guide explains the age convention used by its veterinary source.

Cock, rooster, and hen

Cock and rooster refer to male chickens; hen refers to an adult female. These are age or sex terms, not breed identities.

Comb, wattles, and hackles

Comb refers to the structure on the head, wattles to the fleshy appendages beneath the beak, and hackles to neck feathers. Explore the anatomy guide for these features.

People and roles

Read the people-and-places guide for sentenciador, kristo, kasador, mananari, and handler. Their definitions are linked to a named local source, with a distinction between historical vocabulary and present-day rules.

Bantam, breed, and variety

Bantam is a size category. Breed concerns an established group of birds, while variety describes a subdivision such as a colour or pattern. Use the breed terminology guide for a fuller comparison.